Lyttle starts rebuilding at Reds

Euro qualifiers start reshaping of squad with players made available

Gerard Lyttle has started the rebuilding process at Cliftonville by releasing three first-team squad players and making two others available for transfer.

Lyttle, instilled as Reds boss in October, has released defensive pair Marc Smyth and Johnny Flynn along with winger Paul George, while Caoimhin Bonner and Ciaran Murray have also been transfer listed.

All three players released were signed by the Solitude outfit from Scottish clubs, while former Finn Harps defender Bonner and Larne striker Murray have had mixed fortunes in their time at the club.

Cliftonville qualified for next season's Europa League with victory over Glentoran, a win which will net them a minimum of £160,000 - with this pot set to be directed at helping the club recruit this summer.

"We thank all of our departing players and we wish them all the best for the future," Lyttle told the club's official website.

"We are currently in discussions with a number of clubs for some of our other players and I envisage three or four of the remaining squad leaving before the start of the new season.

"I have identified a number of targets and the club are working on securing these players."